#RasuahBusters Not such a simple favour, Fuziah talks about abuse of power
The Pahang Pakatan Harapan chairman said these requests, although seen as something small or minor, could persuade a person or entity to make their decisions.
“There is a very thin line of what can be done and what is morally wrong and shouldn’t,” she told Sinar Daily.
Fuziah said this during the Rasuah Busters courtesy visit, led by Sinar Untuk Malaysia Foundation chief executive officer Nurhayati Nordin, to her office in Kuantan to talk about corruption and awareness among the people and those in the political arena.
She said it was vital for the concept of corruption as a whole was understood by all levels of the society, stating that these simple acts were seen as something normal among the people.
She cited a recent case where one of her constituents had been fired from his job due to being on medical leave after an accident.
“The mother came to me to ask for a letter of support in hopes of getting her son his job back, but I said no as I did not know anything about him and his work performance, I did not want to vouch for something I have no knowledge about.
“However, what the employer did was wrong. The man met with an accident and could not work, he was injured and on leave, it was unlawful to simply terminate people for that.
“I helped her and her son to fight for his rights to regain his position but that is the right thing to do,” she said.
---
Fuziah said she also believed that anti-corruption principles must be embedded and cultivated as a culture in order to further prevent the widespread of such practices.
She said those in powerful positions were continuously exposed to these activities including politicians, adding that it was vital to have a strong integrity level to face these temptations daily.
However, she said it was not on the onus of the politicians alone but also by the giver or person requesting for favours.
“The society must realise and understand the concept of holding on to their principles and integrity because the moment you lose these values, it would lead to corruption, abuse of power and so on, destroying the country’s dignity and functioning system,” she said.
Fuziah said just like any other politicians, she was unable to “run away” from these offers, but as leaders, she stayed strong and said no.
“I do not help people who ‘help me’, but I look at what they bring to the table. Is it for my personal gain or for the benefit of the community?
“For example, if you are bringing me a proposal that is for single mothers then I will consider whether it will truly boost the community and help them improve their lives, but, I will make sure that they go thorough checks before I recommend them further,” she said.
Fuziah said it always goes back to one's intentions whether it is for their own benefit and personal gain or for the people and community.
“Integrity is easy to speak of but difficult to grasp especially by the masses, thus what Rasuah Busters is doing now is a great effort and platform to ensure we move into the right direction,” she added.
